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Questions: CEL Codes and Volt Advisor phone number

Today when driving home of I-64 through southeastern West Virginia, I noticed the check engine light was on. I don't know exactly when it came on.

When I called OnStar I was given two codes P0C4A - "Battery Voltage Sensing System" or something similar. The OnStar said to take it to the dealer within a week. The other code was P1E00 - "Engine Propulsion Control System", which seems to be a general error message. OnStar had no recommendation about service for this code.

We had a couple unusual events occur during our week-end trip. When drive east on I-64 the Volt went into reduced propulsion mode about a 1/2 mile before the top of a long grade. Also, we stayed at the Greenbrier Resort for 2 days. The only place we could plug in was at the resort garage, and that was only after moving several cars around. We left the car charged in for 2 nights while I went off on a charity bicycle event. I really don't know exactly when the check engine light went on. We noticed it after about 60 miles of driving on the return leg of our trip, but I'm pretty sure it did not come on before we started our trip.

I tried to call the Volt Advisor, but the number I have doesn't seem to be working. Is there a new Volt Advisor number? (The number I used was: 877-486-5846)

I'd like to arrange to take the car to a dealer, if those codes really mean something is wrong. As the Volt isn't for sale in this region yet, I'd like to make that appointment through the Volt Advisor.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

WVhybrid

Last edited by WVhybrid; 08-21-2011 at 09:02 PM.
Reason: show phone number

That is the correct number. I am not sure why it did not work for you. Give it another try and if still does not work for you. Send me a message with your phone number and I will have an advisor contact you.

Thanks for the response, Trevor. I got through to the Volt Advisor today, and have an appointment at a local dealer. I guess I'm lucky they have technicians who have been to Volt school.

Today when I called the Volt Advisor number, I was able to get someone to answer the phone. When I called over the week-end, apparently the phone is turned completely off, and after one ring, the line is hung up. No message or answering service was available, just a dial tone.

I was hoping someone on the forums would have some idea about the possible causes of the P0C4A code. Could it have been caused by forgetting to switch to Mountain Mode and running the battery down when climbing Sandstone Mountain on I-64? Or could it have been caused by someone playing with the charger during the valet parking I was forced to use?

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Not a problem WVhybrid. That is great that you will be taking it in and that you were able to get through to us this time. I will bring it up because our weekend hours of operation and our weekday hours are the same so you should have been able to get through. Hopefully it was just an isolated incident.

Our hours operations are 7AM-12 midnight EST 7 days a week. If you called beyond that period of time, there should have been a voicemail message. Obviously there was not, so I went ahead and let this be known. We will definitely look into this to make sure there are no further issues.

Trevor, yes, I got my Volt into the only nearby dealer with trained mechanics today. They were very nice, and drove me home, and then dropped the Volt off when complete. My thanks to all the Volt Advisors who helped out.

Turns out the Volt had 4 codes: P1E00, P1EE6, P0C4A, and either U0121 or V0121. (handwriting is a little hard to interpret.) I think the P0C4A code turns out to be a low-voltage battery alarm. Maybe the high voltage battery wasn't involved after all.

My shop receipt had three program bulletins attached, and after the mechanic followed one or more of the them, all the codes cleared.

The first was Bulletin No. 11137, called the "Customer Satisfaction program. This is a software update that changes operation of the HVAC blower motor, fixes "intermittent navigation radio issues", and addresses "reduced fuel economy under certain conditions," It also added a new label to the fuse box in the back driver's side compartment. A total of 7 modules were reprogrammed. The shop forewoman said it took 90 minutes to reprogram.

The second fix was may have been PIP4875B, which I may have addressed the code my Volt generated: P0C4A. It is not clear to me that this PIP was executed. The bulletin says it applies only to Volts build prior to VIN 954. My Vin is higher than that, so perhaps this was not performed, or if it was performed, it just reloaded the same software into the modules. The bulletin indicates that 9 modules have new programming. Anyway, the Check Engine Light is out now.

Another bulletin, PIP4884A, was attached to the paperwork, regarding code P0D22. I'm not certain that they found this code. Interestingly, the bulletin states that "This PI will be updated when that (permanent) resolution becomes available."

From the feedback from the service manager, I think only one PIP was executed. But because I didn't speak to the mechanic, I don't know which one. Both PIP bulletins were attached to the maintenance receipt.

I'm going to ask ChrisC to add a link to the Volt Advisor phone number and office hours to his FAQ.

Very good WVhybrid! I will be sure that your thanks are passed along. I was actually going to look into this a little further to make sure that when you did take it in the dealer was aware of bulletin 11137. We are actually calling all 2011 owners and making them aware that this software update is available and scheduling service appointment at their convenience. Looks like they got you all taken care of.

Trevor:
CEL came back. Same code - P0C4A. The dealer said the factory told her it might indicate a problem with the battery radiator or water pump. I'm scheduled to take the Volt back Monday. Interesting about all MY 2011 cars have a reprogramming upgrade available with Program Bulletin 11137. Is it a prohibited word to call it a "recall"?

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Since it is not safety related, the update is not considered a recall. GM and Chevrolet have enhanced the software for the 2011 Volt through updated calibrations, which will improve the driving, charging, and ownership experience.